Site matching for asset tracking

ABSTRACT

A wireless RF tracking system comprising a transmitter (tag) and a receiver, the transmitter having a motion sensor, an RF communication module and a processor. The system has an algorithm configured to send a data ping from the transmitter via the RF communication module to the receiver, the algorithm being a smart location algorithm including both event-based ping methodology and time-based ping methodology. The system additional utilizes a geofencing system to expand the area around the smart location.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus andmethods in the field of asset tracking.

BACKGROUND

In industry nowadays, success or failure depends in part upon knowingthe up-to-date status of various assets. For example, in the freightdelivery logistics, up-to-date knowledge of the location and, in someinstances, the environment of various assets, such as pallet goods,provides efficient and reliable operations. Failure to maintainup-to-date status information can result in temporarily lost assets,sub-optimal use of the assets, and in the case of freight delivery,missed or late deliveries. A wireless tracking device or system ishighly beneficial for solving the dilemma of knowing the physicallocation of the asset at a set point in time.

Technologies have been developed that greatly assist in trackinglocations of assets, e.g., in real time. For example, global positioningsystems (GPS) use wireless signals transmitted by earth-orbitingsatellites to triangulate the position of a receiving device. Althoughrelatively expensive, GPS receivers are capable of providing relativelyaccurate location information for virtually any point in the world solong as satellites are visible to the GPS.

More recently, radio frequency identification (RF or RFID) systems havebeen developed in which devices, often referred to as “tags,” wirelesslycommunicate with readers. RF tracking systems are typically used inparcel tracking and sorting, container tracking, luggage tracking,retail tracking, warehouse tracking, and inventory operations. The RFtags may be either passive or active. Passive tags absorb signalstransmitted by the reader and retransmit their own signals, such asidentification information. While passive tags do not require a localpower source, their resulting transmit range is relatively short,typically less than 5-10 meters. In contrast, active tags, which send asignal to indicate its location, include a local energy source (such asa battery) that improves transmission range. Depending on the wirelesssignal system used by the device, the range may be on the order ofseveral meters or several hundred meters. Active tag systems have longrange transmission range. The position signal or “ping” drains batterylife of the transmitter, thus resulting in added operational cost of thesystem. Regardless of the type of tags used, knowledge of the locationof the tags allows users to identify the location of assets that havethe tags attached thereto.

Obtaining increased system value and decreased operational cost areimportant logistics and technical goals for designers of trackingsystems. Increasing the value per ping, by decreasing the cost per ping,is one mechanism to decrease the operational cost of active systems. Inan exception based asset management environment, the value per ping isthe lowest under normal conditions. Merely increasing the period betweensubsequent pings, however, although it may decrease the cost per ping,does not intelligently decrease the cost per ping, as the extendedperiod may miss critical movement of the tagged asset.

Sensor-based tracking systems are also known; sensor-based trackingsystems provide more information than RFID systems. Shippers, carriers,recipients, and other parties often wish to know the location,condition, and integrity of shipments before, during, and aftertransport to satisfy quality control goals, meet regulatoryrequirements, and optimize logistics processes. However, such systemsare typically expensive given the complexity of the sensors, and mayprovide extraneous and redundant item information.

Traditional location tracking systems either provide global locationtracking using global positioning systems (GPS) or discrete locationinformation using radio frequency identification (RFID) or similartechnology to obtain real-time data on in-transit locations. Thesesystems typically enable monitoring and management of various inventorysystems. Unfortunately, such real-time systems fail to provideinformation regarding discrete location specific information such as thedelivery and docking status, local events and transactions and physicalcondition of the delivered goods to customers or interested persons atdifferent global locations.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an overlay-based asset location andidentification system. More particularly, the present disclosure relatesto various aspects involving systems, apparatus and methods thatleverage an adaptive, hierarchical, context-aware wireless network thatmay use reduced power profiles, proactive movement notification,enhanced locations, and/or match the location information to an actuallogistics site.

The value per ping is highest when the ping captures a logisticscritical event. Logistics events can be broadly defined as a set ofactivities that collectively perform a logistics function. Theactivities within an event are typically performed in a specificsequence, with the sequence of activities subsequent to any specifiedactivity being potentially dependent on conditions and decisions takenat the previous activity step. Examples of logistics events includeloading a container into a transport vessel or vehicle, unloading acontainer from a transport vessel or vehicle, moving the container fromone area of a warehouse to another area, etc.

The present disclosure provides a system, method and apparatus foroptimizing value per ping for an asset tracking device by matching thelocation of the asset tracking device (tag) to a predetermined site atwhich a certain event occurs (“smart location”). Such a “smart location”logic provides a logistics event driven ping so that locationinformation is associated with a logistics event or in business context.In such a manner, the value per ping is optimized, leading to increasedbattery life and decreased operational cost. To determine theselogistics events, the asset tracking device is equipped with appropriatesensors, actuators, trigger mechanism(s), etc. The sensor(s) detectmovements and confirm or recognize a predetermined pattern or sequenceof movements. For example, one pattern is a set combination of lateralmotion followed by a vertical (or sliding up) motion, which isindicative of loading into a cargo hold or into a vehicle. Anotherexemplary pattern is a set combination of lateral motion followed bydecreasing vertical (or dropping) motion, which is indicative ofunloading from a cargo hold or vehicle. Additional details regarding“smart location” algorithms are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,355,381 and9,020,527, which are incorporated herein by reference. In someembodiments, a time factor may also be included in the smart locationalgorithm.

In most logistics and supply chain applications, an asset is moved alongpre-determined routes or sites. To avoid an uncertainty in locationaccuracy, one can match the location determined by the tag to expectedlocations using logistics rules. In addition, a smart location can bedefined by operation categories (e.g., service center “SC”, manufacturer“E”, distribution centers “DC”, retailers “RT”, etc.), businesscategories (food, construction, clothes, etc.), transaction meta data,etc.

In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a wireless RF trackingsystem comprising a transmitter (tag) and a receiver, the transmitterhaving a motion sensor, an RF communication module and a processor. Thesystem has an algorithm configured to send a data ping from thetransmitter via the RF communication module to the receiver, thealgorithm being a smart location algorithm including both event-basedping methodology and time-based ping methodology.

In another embodiment, this disclosure provides an asset tracking systemthat utilizes a method to determine a location of an asset trackingdevice (tag) using a hierarchical transactional logistics flow. Themethod includes utilizing a plurality of identifiers associated with theone or more logistics events at a known location relative each of theplurality of identifiers. The asset tracking system also includesartificial intelligence, configured to identify, sort, and assignmultiple type of asset movements and generate overlay informationincluding an identification of a location correlated to at least one ofthe known locations.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, if a ping is issued due tologistics event, and a tracking device enters or exits or is within avirtual boundary set up around location site, the location of thetracking device will match with the location site.

In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a location-based servicegeo-fencing. The system includes an electronic virtual geo-fencing areaaffixed to the site location and configured to transmit a signal fromthe site location. The system also includes an electronic locationtrigger processing module to receive and process the signal transmittedby the site location tracking device into a location communicationsignal to be transmitted globally, wherein the electronic locationtrigger processing module is affixed to an asset whose discrete locationand information are to be managed and tracked globally.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a proximityalgorithm which is set to a geo-fencing radius equal to a half of adistance between neighboring sites (in 2-D) or a distance between thecenter of the site registered, whichever distance is smaller between thetwo. When a proximity algorithm is applied, the smaller the geo-fencingarea, the better local assignment it can get.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides site matchingmethods that include a step of determining the location of the assettracking device by an exact algorithm, a pairing algorithm, anartificial intelligence (AI) trip report, or an AI transaction historyreport. Such methods can be used with an asset tracking system thatincludes service center (SC), manufacturer (E), distribution center(DC), and retailer (RT) sites. In exact site matching, the systemassigns the site as either SC or E or DC or RT, based on a uniquelogistics event of the site. In site matching by pairing, the systemassigns the site as either SC or E or DC or RT when the logistics eventmatches with the expected movement at the particular sites. In AI tripreport site matching, the system assigns the site as either SC or E orDC or RT when the trip matches with a trip recorded in the artificialintelligent (AI) algorithm. In AI transaction history report sitematching, the system assigns the site as either SC or E or DC or RT whenthe trip matches with historical data.

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments willbecome evident. It should be understood that the aspects andembodiments, in their broadest sense, could be practiced without havingone or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should beunderstood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from areading of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosurein connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an example of a route of an asset beingtracked.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of an example of two sites with two differentsizes of geo-fencing area.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an example of logic flow of a logistics event.

FIG. 4 is an example of smart location using a hierarchicaltransactional logistics flow at service center (SC) site.

FIG. 5 is an example of technical entitlement flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this discussion, a “tracking device,” “tracking tag,” “tag,” andvariations thereof refers to a portable, signal emitting deviceconfigured for placement in or on an asset to be tracked, such as acontainer of goods (e.g., pallet, crate, box, container, and/or shippingvehicle, plane or ship, etc.). The “tracking device” includes atransmitter or a transmitter device for sending data wirelessly. A“tracking system” and variations thereof includes at least one trackingdevice with a transmitter, and a receiver for receiving the locationsignal from the tracking (transmitter) device(s).

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawing that forms a part hereof and in which are shown by way ofillustration at least one specific embodiment. In some instances, areference numeral in a figure may have an associated sub-labelconsisting of an upper-case letter to denote one of multiple similarcomponents. When reference is made to a reference numeral in thedescription without specification of a sub-label, the reference isintended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

The following description provides various specific embodiments. It isto be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be madewithout departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in alimiting sense. While the present disclosure is not so limited, anappreciation of various aspects of the disclosure will be gained througha discussion of the examples provided below.

Location triggering systems enable the tracking of locations and allasset statuses in an automated and cost-effective fashion from its pointof shipment to its point of delivery. Further, methods and systems tracknodes and their movement while inside containers orvehicles/ships/planes. Better use radio elements of a node when deployedin such a logistics related wireless node network allow for improvedpositional awareness when managing items, nodes associated with theitems, and/or containers for such managed items. To address these typesof requirements and logistics related issues, one or more systems areneeded that may leverage one or more elements of an adaptive,context-aware wireless node network that may use enhanced powerprofiles, proactive movement notification.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a route 100 of an asset through alogistics logic flow being tracked via a tracking device or ‘tag’. Theasset may be, for example, a cargo container, a pallet, a crate, or abox. The route 100 includes several loading or unloading activities,which are logistics events. In this embodiment, the asset has thetracking device affixed thereon or thereto or incorporated therein, sothat the movement of the asset is being tracked. The tracking deviceincludes a transmitter that will send a data ping to a (remote) receiverat each of the logistics events.

In FIG. 1, the asset tagged with the tracking device begins in awarehouse, storage building, or asset service center (SC) 102.Typically, at this stage, the asset is bare or empty, not having anygoods loaded thereon, and the tracking device, particularly thetransmitter, is typically in an inactive, sleep state. When the asset isloaded onto a truck or other transporter (e.g., truck, ship orairplane), the tracking device includes a motion sensor or othersensor(s) that determines whether or not a predetermined sequence ofmovements has occurred. Various embodiments may have different patternsor sequences of movements stored in the tracking device that whenmatching the corresponding to a particular movement (e.g., pallet load,warehouse shelved, forklift movement, etc.) If the correct sequence ofmovements has occurred, the transmitter device initiates the process tosend a ‘ping’ to the receiver, advising the receiver that the asset hasbeen moved and may send the particular movement profile triggered.

From the service center 102, the asset is moved to a manufacturingfacility, manufacturer, producer or other product facility or emitter(E) 104 for a normal logistics transaction, where the asset is typicallyunloaded at a loading dock. If the unloading movements of the taggedasset from the vehicle are determined to be a predetermined sequence ofunloading movements, the tracking device initiates the process to send aping to the receiver.

In some embodiments, it is possible, although with a low probability,the asset is moved between two service centers (SC), e.g., for inventorybalancing purpose, or to another location. Any site changes other thanan authorized service center (SC) 102 and facility (E) 104 is consideredan abnormal business transaction, and as such, generates an alarm. Siteswithin the normal stream of commerce are white listed to not generate analarm. Areas and/or sites can be black listed such that readings theregenerate an alarm.

Returning to FIG. 1, at the facility (E) 104, goods are placed onto orinto the tagged asset. Another series of predetermined movements (alogistics event) identifies when the loaded asset is placed onto a truckor other vehicle, and a ping is sent is sent to the receiver by thetracking device.

Throughout the continued route 100, if an activity such as loading orunloading is defined as a logistics event due to it meeting apredetermined pattern of movements, the tracking device initiates theprocess to send its data ping. In FIG. 1 along route 100, the trackedasset moves from the manufacturer facility (E) 104 to a distributioncenter (DC) 106. This route 100 is consistent with typical transportroutes, as it has been established in the transport industry that assetsfrom the manufacturer facility (E) 104 move to a distribution center(DC) site 98.8% of the time, to a retailer (RT) site 0.8% of the time,to other known locations 0.2% of the time, and to other unknownlocations 0.2% of the time. Thus, in some embodiments, only movement tothe distribution center (DC) 106 from the manufacturer facility (E) 104is considered a logistics event.

During transport of the tagged asset from the manufacturing facility (E)104 to the distribution center (DC) 106, the tracking device detectscontinuous movement and recognizes that the asset is experiencing aprolonged transport. Upon reaching the distribution center (DC) 106, theasset is unloaded at a loading dock that is identified by a pattern ofmovements.

At the distribution center (DC) 106, the asset may be loaded and sent toa retail outlet (RT) 108 and unloaded there. Again, the route 100 isconsistent with typical transport routes, as it has also beenestablished that assets from a distribution center (DC) 106 move mostlyto a retailer (RT) 108 site 55% of the time, but also return to theservice center (SC) 102 42% of the time, to other unknown locations 0.7%of the time, to a manufacturer facility (E) 104 (e.g., for re-use) 0.4%of the time. In some embodiments, only movement to the retailer outlet(RT) 108 from the distribution center (DC) 106 is considered a logisticsevent, whereas in other embodiments, both movement to the retaileroutlet (RT) 108 and the service center (SC) 102 are logistics events,and the system is configured to allow for two possible logistics events.Other embodiments could have any number of logistics events.

Return of the tracked (and unloaded) asset to the distribution center(DC) 106 from the retail outlet (RT) 108 provides a logistics event whenthe asset is loaded onto the vehicle and another logistics event whenthe asset is unloaded. In typical established transport routes, assetsfrom a manufacturing facility (E) 104 move mostly to the distributioncenter (DC) 84% of the time, to a service center (SC) 6.3% of the time,to other known locations 1.0% of the time, to a manufacturer facility(E) 104 (e.g., for re-use) 0.8% of the time. In some embodiments, thus,only movement to the distribution center (DC) 106 from the retailer (RT)108 is considered a logistics event.

As described above, until a logistics event is detected by the senor(s)(e.g., motion sensor) of the tracking device, the transmitter of thetracking device is idle, in a sleep state, or otherwise off. When thelogistics event (e.g., predetermined pattern of movement) is confirmed,the transmitter activates and initiates the process to send its dataping. Although various logistics events (loading, unloading) have beenidentified in the above scenario discussion, it is understood that otheractions within the scenario could be identified as logistics events, orthat some actions identified above may be removed as logistics events.For example, movement of the asset within a facility (e.g., withindistribution center) may be a logistics event.

The physical location of the service center (SC) 102, the manufacturer(E) 104, the distribution center (DC) 106, and the retailer (RT) 108 areusually known, and fixed, with a known distance between the locations.

In one embodiment of the system described herein, a geo-fence (e.g., alocation based geo-fence) is used with the asset tracking system; ageo-fence is a virtual boundary set up around a location so that alocation within the geo-fence boundary is considered to be the centerlocation of the geo-fence. Thus, when a geo-fence is incorporated in thesystem, a ping is only issued when both criteria are met—a logisticsevent (due to a pattern of movement), and the tracking device enters,exits, or is within the virtual boundary set up around the locationsite.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example map 200 of two sites (locations) 201, 202with two different geo-fencing size areas. A first known site 201 has afirst geo-fence 211 and a second geo-fence 212, the first geo-fence 211being smaller in area than the second geo-fence 212. A second known site202 has a first geo-fence 221 and a second geo-fence 222, the firstgeo-fence 221 being smaller in area than the second geo-fence 222. Thephysical location of first known site 201 is separated by a fixeddistance from second known site 202.

There is very little overlap between the geo-fencing area 211 and thegeo-fencing area 221. However, a largeoverlap exists between thegeo-fencing area 211 and the geo-fencing area 222 and between thegeo-fencing area 221 and the geo-fencing area 212 with an even largeroverlap between the geo-fencing area 212 and the geo-fencing area 222.

Multiple asset tracking devices are shown on the map 200, specifically,six tracking devices 250, specifically 250A, 250B, 250C, 250D, 250E and250F, are shown in this embodiment. Tracking device 250A is located inthe intersection of the geo-fencing area 211 and the geo-fencing area222; tracking devices 250B, 250C are located in the intersection of thegeo-fencing area 212 and the geo-fencing area 222; tracking device 250Dis located in the geo-fencing area 222; tracking device 250E is locatedin the geo-fencing area 221, and tracking device 250F is located in thegeo-fencing area 221 and the geo-fencing area 212.

As seen in FIG. 1, movement of the asset from one site to another site,or within a geo-fencing area of the site, is predictable. Therefore, ahierarchical transactional logistics flow can be applied to the assettracking device. A location of the asset tracking device can also bepredicted based on the logistics event and type of the movement of theasset. In one embodiment, the logistics logic flow of the asset isapplied. When a wrong address is applied to an actual address, thiscreates results in systematic accuracy of a predicted site. Therefore,it is important to establish an integrity of a master data andtransaction data since the system depends master data and transactiondata heavily.

Returning to FIG. 2, when a logistics event is detected and a ping isissued, the location of the asset tracking device 250 could be matchedto either to the site 201 or the site 202 depending on the radius and/orarea of the geo-fencing areas 211, 212 and 221, 222, and the logisticslogic flow. When a logistics logic flow is applied, the bigger thegeo-fencing area the less probability that the asset tracking device isassigned incorrectly to the correct site.

A proximity algorithm may be used to set the geo-fencing radius and/orarea differently in different situations. The proximity algorithm setsthe geo-fencing radius equal to half of the distance between neighboringarea sites (in 2-D) (e.g., one half of the distance between area 211 andarea 221) or a distance between the center of the site registered (e.g.,the distance between site 201 and site 202), which ever smaller betweentwo. Therefore, the proximity algorithm prefers a bigger geo-fencingarea than a smaller geo-fencing area. The smaller geo-fencing area may,e.g., mislead the site matching accuracy. When a proximity algorithm isapplied, smaller the geo-fencing area, the better local assignment itcan get. Therefore, the proximity algorithm could practically make asmaller geo-fencing within the density map.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example matching logic flow chart 300 for whetheror not a tracked location represents a logistics event. After alogistics event is detected and a ping is issued in operation 302, inthe subsequent operation 304, it is determined whether or not thelocation of the tracking device matches with a site location based onpre-determined geo-fencing area. If the tracking device is within thegeo-fencing area of the site location, the location of the trackingdevice is assigned to the previous site before the logistics event isdetected (operation 306); that is, the location recorded for thetracking device is its previous location. Conversely, if the trackingdevice is not within the geo-fencing area of the site location (inoperation 304), the tracking device returns to operation 302 to wait foranother logistics event to send another ping. When the tracking deviceleaves the geo-fencing area, the location of the tracking device willmatch to a new site location based on the hierarchical transactionallogistics flow.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a smart location logic flow chart 400using a hierarchical transactional logistics flow at service center (SC)site 102. When a logistics event is detected and a ping is issued, afirst decision is made (operation 404) as to whether or not thetwo-previous site matching (n-1) was a service center (SC) 102. Asillustrated earlier in FIG. 1, based on historical transaction data, thenext matching site should be manufacturer site (E) (operation 406) 104or another service center (SC) 102 for inventory balancing purpose or toother location (operation 414).

In operation 406, a second decision logic, it is determined whether ornot a manufacturing site (E) 104 is close by. If yes, that site isassigned as a manufacturing site (E) 104 in operation 416. If not, as athird decision logic, it is queried in operation 408 whether or notanother service center (SC) 102 is close by (operation 408). If yes, thelocation of the tracking device is matched to the service center site(SC) (operation 418) 102, if not, assign a location of the rackingdevice to any nearest site (operation 410), from which is issued a“lost” alarm (operation 412).

After the site was assigned as a manufacturing site (E) (operation 416)104, or as a service center (SC) (operation 418) 102 or after it isdeemed lost (operation 412), there is the opportunity to manually modifyor assign the location of the tracking device (operation 420). If yes,the site is changed (operation 422). The process ends at operation 425.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of technical entitlement logistics flowchart 500. This chart begins at operation 414 from FIG. 4; a smartlocation is applied to the previous location site (operation 414). Aftera logistics event is detected and a smart location algorithm is applied,then a technical entitlement algorithm is applied. When this site isneither SC nor E nor DC nor RT, then assign the site as not applicablesite “NA”. When this site is one of four possibility sites (SC, DC, E,RT), and is unique, and only site, then assign the site as either SC orE or DC or RT. This is called “site matched exactly”. When this site isone of four possibility sites (SC, DC, E, RT), and the logistics eventmatches with expected movement at the particular sites such as SC, DC,E, RT, then assign the site as either SC or E or DC or RT. This iscalled “site matched by pairing”. When this site is one of fourpossibility sites (SC, DC, E, RT), and the trip matches with triprecorded in artificial intelligent (AI) algorithm, then assign the siteto most probable site as either SC or E or DC or RT. This is called“site matched by AI trip report”. When this site is one of fourpossibility sites (SC, DC, E, RT), and the trip matches with historicaldata, then assign the site to most probable site as either SC or E or DCor RT. This is called “site matched by AI transaction history record”.When this site is one of four possibility sites (SC, DC, E, RT), and thetrip does not match with historical data, then assign the site to thenearest site either SC or E or DC or RT. This is called “matchedlikely”. In this example, it is always an opportunity to assign thelocation of the tracking device manually.

As described above and illustrated in the figures, the presentdisclosure is directed to various embodiments of a tracking device thatleverage an adaptive, hierarchical, context-aware wireless network thatmay use reduced power profiles, proactive movement notification,enhanced locations, and/or match the location information to an actuallogistics site.

The above specification and examples provide a complete description ofthe structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Theabove description provides specific embodiments. It is to be understoodthat other embodiments are contemplated and may be made withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The abovedetailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.While the present disclosure is not so limited, an appreciation ofvarious aspects of the disclosure will be gained through a discussion ofthe examples provided.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes,amounts, and physical properties are to be understood as being modifiedby the term “about,” whether or not the term “about” is immediatelypresent. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numericalparameters set forth are approximations that can vary depending upon thedesired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the artutilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompassembodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictatesotherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, theterm “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unlessthe content clearly dictates otherwise.

Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “bottom,”“lower”, “top”, “upper”, “beneath”, “below”, “above”, “on top”, “on,”etc., if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describespatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatiallyrelated terms encompass different orientations of the device in additionto the particular orientations depicted in the figures and describedherein. For example, if a structure depicted in the figures is turnedover or flipped over, portions previously described as below or beneathother elements would then be above or over those other elements.

Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in theclaims hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structural features of thedifferent embodiments may be combined in yet another embodiment withoutdeparting from the recited claims.

1. A method of determining locations of tracking devices, the methodcomprising: monitoring a tracking device for a predetermined sequence ofmovements; responsive to detecting the predetermined sequence ofmovements, determining whether a location of the predetermined sequenceof movements of the tracking device occurred entirely within apredetermined event site matching the predetermined sequence ofmovements, the predetermined event site being a logistics event sitehaving a geo-fencing area therearound; and responsive to the locationbeing within the predetermined event site matching the predeterminedsequence of movements, sending a data ping with location information. 2.The method of claim 1 further comprising: after sending the data ping,monitoring the tracking device for a second predetermined sequence ofmovements; responsive to detecting the second predetermined sequence ofmovements, determining whether a second location of the secondpredetermined sequence of movements of the tracking device is within thepredetermined event site; and responsive to the second location beingwithin the predetermined event site, not sending a data ping.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising: monitoring the tracking device fora second predetermined sequence of movements; responsive to detectingthe second predetermined sequence of movements, determining whether asecond location of the second predetermined sequence of movements of thetracking device is within the predetermined event site; and responsiveto the second location not being within the predetermined event site,sending a data ping with second location information.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the logistics event site is one of a service center,manufacturer, distribution center, or retailer.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein monitoring the tracking device for the predetermined sequenceof movements comprises monitoring based on time between movements in thepredetermined sequence of movements.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinmonitoring the tracking device for the predetermined sequence ofmovements comprises monitoring a combination of lateral and verticalmotions.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the predetermined sequence ofmovements comprises a predetermined pattern of movements in a singlelocation.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the predetermined pattern ofmovements in the single location comprises a loading event or anunloading event.
 9. The method of claim 3, wherein the location is afirst predetermined event site and the second location is a secondpredetermined event site.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the secondpredetermined event site is an expected second predetermined event site.11. The method of claim 3, further comprising, after seconding the dataping with the second location information, manually assigning the secondlocation as a predetermined event site.
 12. The method of claim 1,further comprising responsive to the predetermined event site being anunauthorized site, generating an alarm.
 13. The method of claim 1,further comprising accessing a hierarchical logistics flow for thetracking device, wherein the hierarchical logistics flow comprises anordered sequential list of predetermined event sites through which thetracking device is likely to move.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinthe hierarchical logistics flow comprises a first predetermined eventsite, a second predetermined event site, a third predetermined eventsite, a probability predicting how often the tracking device will movefrom the first predetermined event site to the second predeterminedevent site, and a probability predicting how often the tracking devicewill move from the first predetermined event site to the thirdpredetermined event site.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thegeo-fencing area around the predetermined event site overlaps with ageo-fencing area around a second predetermined event site in thehierarchical logistics flow.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising determining whether to assign the predetermined event site orthe second predetermined event site to the tracking device based atleast in part on the hierarchical logistics flow.
 17. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising: accessing a previous predetermined eventsite to which the tracking device was assigned prior to detecting thepredetermined sequence of movements; assigning the predetermined eventsite as a current location of the tracking device based at least in parton the previous predetermined event site and the hierarchical logisticsflow.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the previous predeterminedevent site comprises a service center, and the predetermined event sitecomprises a manufacturing site.
 19. The method of claim 17, whereinassigning the predetermined event site as a current location of thetracking device is also based at least in part on an artificialintelligence algorithm using historical trip data.
 20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein assigning the predetermined event site as a currentlocation of the tracking device is also based at least in part on thepredetermined event site being a nearest event site in the hierarchicallogistics flow.